Choosing the right size of a spinning reel is essential for angling. Whether you are a professional or recreational angler, selecting the proper size for your spinning reels is important. So, It can help make your fishing experience more pleasurable and productive. In this blog post, we will go into greater detail on what are the sizes of spinning reels available and how they vary. Then, we will look at key specifications like weight capacity to consider gear ratios, and line retrieves. Our review would serve as a guide to offer helpful advice so that you can get equipped with the best-size spinning reel suited for you!
Small Spinning Reels. 1000 to 3000
Small-size spinning reels are 1000 to 3000 in size, weighing between 6 to 17 ounces. So, these reels work best with light to medium-weight lines and lures. And so are most suitable for fishing freshwater species like panfish, trout, or bass. The gear ratio of these spinning reels is generally low (4.1:1 or 5.2:1), and the line can be slow (up to 29 inches per turn).
Small Size (1000-3000)
| Reel Size | Monofilament Weight | Braided Line Weight | Application | Fish Species |
| 1000 (or 10) | 2-4lb (1-2kg) | 4-8lb | Ultralight fishing in freshwater and estuaries, bays & harbors | Trout, Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch |
| 2000 (or 20) | 4-6lb (2-3kg) | 4-8lb | Ultralight fishing in freshwater and estuaries, bays & harbors | Bass, Trout, Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch |
| 2500 (or 25) | 5-8lb (2.5kg-4kg) | 5-12lb | Light fishing in freshwater and estuaries, bays & harbors | Bass, Walleye, Northern Pike |
| 3000 (or 30) | 6-10lb (3kg-5kg) | 6-14lb | Light fishing in freshwater and estuaries, bays & harbors | Bass, Walleye, Northern Pike, Catfish |
Medium Spinning Reels. 4000 and 5000
So medium Size spinning reels measure 4000 and 5000, with a weight range of 10 to 21 ounces. These reels are best suite for larger freshwater fish, for example catfish or steelhead. So the gear ratios are intermediate (5.2:1 to 6.2:1), and the line retrieves tend to be faster (up to 33 inches per turn).
Medium Size (4000-5000)
| Reel Size | Monofilament Weight | Braided Line Weight | Application | Fish Species |
| 4000 (or 40) | 8-12lb (4kg-6kg) | 8-20lb | Medium fishing in freshwater and inshore saltwater | Catfish, Muskie, Snook, Redfish, Snapper |
| 4500 (or 45) | 8-12lb (4kg-6kg) | 8-20lb | Medium fishing in freshwater and inshore saltwater | Catfish, Muskie, Snook, Redfish, Snapper |
| 5000 (or 50) | 10-14lb (5kg-7kg) | 10-25lb | Medium fishing in freshwater and inshore saltwater | Catfish, Muskie, Snook, Redfish, Snapper |
Large Spinning Reels. 6000 to 30,000
So, large-size Spinning Reels are 6000 – 10000 in size, with a weight range of 14 to 24 ounces. These reels are most suitable for large saltwater fish, such as tuna or marlin. So the gear ratios are high (6.2:1 to 8.1:1), and the line can be very fast (up to 35 inches per turn).
Large Size (6000-30,000)
| Reel Size | Monofilament Weight | Braided Line Weight | Application | Fish Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6000 (or 60) | 12-16lb (6kg-8kg) | 12-30lb | Medium fishing in inshore & offshore saltwater | Striped Bass, Salmon, Snook, Redfish (Red Drum) |
| 6500 (or 65) | 12-16lb (6kg-8kg) | 12-30lb | Medium fishing in inshore & offshore saltwater | Striped Bass, Salmon, Snook, Redfish (Red Drum) |
| 7000 (or 70) | 14-18lb (7kg-9kg) | 15-40lb | Medium fishing in inshore & offshore saltwater | Striped Bass, Salmon, Snook, Redfish (Red Drum) |
| 7500 (or 75) | 16-20lb (8kg-10kg) | 20-50lb | Medium fishing in inshore & offshore saltwater | Striped Bass, Salmon, Snook, Redfish (Red Drum) |
| 8000 (or 80) | 16-20lb (8kg-10kg) | 20-50lb | Medium fishing in inshore & offshore saltwater | Wahoo, Roosterfish, Dorado, Barracuda, Amberjack |
| 8500 (or 85) | 18-22lb (9kg-11kg) | 30-50lb | Medium fishing in inshore & offshore saltwater | Wahoo, Roosterfish, Dorado, Barracuda, Amberjack |
| 9000 (or 90) | 18-22lb (9kg-11kg) | 30-50lb | Medium fishing in inshore & offshore saltwater | Wahoo, Roosterfish, Dorado, Barracuda, Amberjack |
| 9500 (or 95) | 20-25lb (10kg-12.5kg) | 30-50lb | Medium fishing in inshore & offshore saltwater | Wahoo, Roosterfish, Dorado, Barracuda, Amberjack |
| 10,000 (or 100) | 20-25lb (10kg-12.5kg) | 30-60lb | Medium/Heavy fishing in inshore & offshore saltwater | Tuna, Wahoo, Dorado, Shark |
| 10,500 (or 105) | 22-27lb (11kg-13.5kg) | 30-60lb | Medium/Heavy fishing in inshore & offshore saltwater | Tuna, Wahoo, Dorado, Shark |
| 12,000 (or 120) | 28lb+ (14kg+) | 30-60lb | Medium/Heavy offshore saltwater fishing | Tuna, Wahoo, Dorado, Shark |
| 14,000 (or 140) | 28lb+ (14kg+) | 30-60lb | Medium/Heavy offshore saltwater fishing | Tuna, Wahoo, Dorado, Shark |
| 16,000 (or 160) | 32lb+ (16kg+) | 40-70lb | Medium/Heavy offshore saltwater fishing | Tuna, Wahoo, Dorado, Shark |
| 16,000 (or 160) | 36lb+ (18kg+) | 40-70lb | Medium/Heavy offshore saltwater fishing | Tuna, Wahoo, Dorado, Shark |
| 18,000 (or 180) | 36lb+ (18kg+) | 40-70lb | Medium/Heavy offshore saltwater fishing | Tuna, Wahoo, Dorado, Shark |
| 20,000 (or 200) | 40lb+ (20kg+) | 50-80lb | Heavy offshore saltwater fishing | Sailfish, Tuna (large species), Tarpon, Giant Trevally |
| 25,000 (or 250) | 50lb+ (25kg+) | 50-80lb | Heavy offshore saltwater fishing | Sailfish, Tuna (large species), Tarpon, Giant Trevally |
| 30,000 (or 300) | 60lb+ (30kg+) | 80-100lb | Heavy offshore saltwater fishing | Sailfish, Tuna (large species), Tarpon, Giant Trevally |
Which Spinning Reel Size Is Best For You?
So the size of the spinning reel you choose will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you are looking for a smaller, lightweight reel suitable for light to medium-weight lines and lures, then a 1000 – 3000 size spinning reel is ideal. For larger freshwater fish, such as catfish or steelhead, the 4000 – 5000 size spinning reels would be ideal. Then if you’re targeting larger saltwater species, like tuna or marlin, go for a 6000 – 10000 spinning reel. Finally, the choice of which spinning reel size is best for you will come down to your preferences and the type of fishing you do most often.
What Is The Best Size Spinning Reel For Bass Fishing?
So for bass fishing, a medium size spinning reel is ideal. Because a 4000 – 5000 size reel offers the perfect balance of weight and strength to handle larger freshwater species like bass. So the gear ratio should be in the 5.2:1 to 6.2:1 range. Then the line retrieves should be fast enough (up to 33 inches per turn) to get lure presentations out there quickly. So, you can catch bass effectively by combining a medium-sized spinning reel with the appropriate lines and lures.
What Size Reel Should You Use For An Ultralight Rod?
So we recommend a 1000 – 3000 size spinning reel for an ultralight rod. So these small spinning reels are lightweight (6 to 17 ounces) and feature low gear ratios (4.1:1 to 5.2:1). Because it allows finesse presentations with light lines and lures. So the line retrieves tend to be slow (up to 29 inches per turn). But this is perfect for certain finesse-style fishing techniques. Finally An ultralight rod and a 1000 – 3000 size spinning reel provide the perfect setup when targeting panfish or other small freshwater species.
How Do You Match a Spinning Reel To a Rod?
When matching a spinning reel to a rod, it is important to consider both the components’ size and weight. So the rule of thumb is to use a lighter reel with a light-action rod and vice versa. It will help ensure that the balance and feel of your setup are comfortable when casting and retrieving. Also, the spinning reel size should match the line weight, lures, and type of fish you plan on targeting. For instance, a 1000 – 3000 size spinning reel is ideal for light lines and finesse techniques when targeting panfish or other small freshwater species. Fianally A 4000 – 5000 spinning reel is best for heavier lines and larger freshwater.
FAQ
Q: How Do I Know What Size Spinning Reel To Buy?
Because the size of the spinning reel you choose will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you are looking for a smaller, lightweight reel suitable for light to medium-weight lines and lures, then a 1000 – 3000 size spinning reel is ideal. For larger freshwater fish, such as catfish or steelhead, then the 4000 – 5000 size spinning reels would be ideal. And if you’re looking to target larger saltwater species, like tuna or marlin, then we recommend a 6000 – 10000 spinning reel. Finally, the choice of which spinning reel size is best for you will come down to your preferences and the type of fishing you do most often.
Q: What Does Reel Size 4000 Mean?
Because reel size 4000 refers to a medium-sized spinning reel. This reel has a gear ratio of 5.2:1 to 6.2:1 and is suitable for larger freshwater fish such as bass or steelhead. It can also handle heavier lines and lures when targeting saltwater species like tuna or marlin. A 4000-size spinning reel is often recommended for anglers looking for the perfect balance of weight and strength when fishing.
Q: What Is The Most Common Spinning Reel Size?
The most common spinning reel size is 4000 – 5000. So this size of reel offers the perfect balance of weight and strength. Because larger freshwater species like bass and steelhead can be handled with it. While also being able to accommodate heavier lines and lures when targeting saltwater species such as tuna or marlin. Finally, It is ideal for anglers who want a powerful yet lightweight reel that they can use in various fishing scenarios.
Q: What Is The Best Size Spinning Reel For Rock Fishing?
Because the best spinning reel for rock fishing is 6000 – 10000. This reel offers the power and strength to handle rugged conditions and powerful saltwater species such as tuna or marlin. It also features a higher gear ratio (up to 6.3:1), which allows for faster line retrieves (up to 35 inches per turn). So, this spinning reel’s larger size and increased power make it an ideal choice for rock fishing.
Q: What Size Reel For A Telescopic Fishing Rod?
Because the reel size best for a telescopic fishing rod will depend on two things. So the type of fish you are targeting and your personal preferences. If you want to target smaller species such as panfish or trout, then a 1000 – 3000 size spinning reel would be ideal. But, if you are targeting larger freshwater species such as bass or steelhead, a 4000 – 5000 size spinning reel would be more suitable. So for saltwater species like tuna or marlin, we recommend a 6000 – 10000 size spinning reel. Finally, the choice of which size of reel to use should come down to your own specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
So, a helpful guide in deciding the size of a spinning reel depends on the type of fish you want to catch. Using a 4000 or 5000 reel will suffice if you fish for bass. But, if you are going rock fishing, it is best advised to use a large spinning reel with sizes 6000 to 30,000. Many factors play into choosing the right-sized spinning reels, such as the weight and drag system. But we are sure this article has helped clear some things up for you so that you feel more confident choosing the right-sized reel for your next fishing trip! If not, kindly post any queries in the comment area below. Therefore one of our specialists would be delighted to assist you.